Donald Trump has voiced strong displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening tough economic measures if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. His remarks mark a notable shift in approach after weeks of diplomatic back-and-forth.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” at Putin for questioning the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He warned that if negotiations did not yield results, the United States would impose secondary tariffs of up to 50% on oil exports from Russia.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault—which it might not be—there will be consequences,” Trump stated. The White House has yet to respond to his comments.
European leaders had expressed concerns over Trump’s interactions with Putin, as he previously appeared to offer concessions to Russia. However, his latest remarks suggest a tougher stance, shifting the diplomatic burden onto Moscow.
For weeks, Trump has pressured Zelensky to make concessions while simultaneously engaging Putin with praise. His recent criticism of the Russian leader signals a break from that approach, as he now warns of economic repercussions.
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Trump acknowledged that he had a “very good relationship” with Putin but emphasized that his frustration would persist unless Russia acted decisively. He also reiterated that if the situation did not improve within a month, strict tariffs on Russian oil would be enforced.
Meanwhile, Zelensky responded by stressing that Russia was prolonging the war unnecessarily. He urged global leaders, including the U.S. and Europe, to take a firm stand against Russia’s tactics.
The ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Independent reports indicate over 100,000 Russian military deaths, while Ukraine’s last official figure stood at 43,000 troops lost.
Trump also addressed other geopolitical concerns during the interview, including a renewed warning to Iran over its nuclear ambitions. He vowed severe military action if the country refused to negotiate, adding that economic sanctions were also on the table.
Despite constitutional limitations, Trump hinted that he would not rule out the possibility of seeking a third term, stating that “a lot of people” wanted him to consider it. However, he admitted that any such move remained a distant prospect.
Reported by BBC
